Nigeria’s football community is mourning the loss of one of its most iconic figures, Christian Chukwu, MFR who is the former captain and head coach of the Super Eagles.
The sad news was confirmed on Saturday morning by his longtime friend and teammate, Dr. Olusegun Odegbami, who shared a heartfelt tribute on his official Facebook page.
“My Chairman has passed on,” Odegbami wrote. “I just received the news that between 9:00 and 10:00 this morning, ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu, MFR — my bosom friend and teammate, one of the greatest footballers in Nigeria’s history — has passed away.”
Odegbami revealed that he received the news from another former national teammate, Emmanuel Okala, MON, describing the loss as deeply personal. “Babuje, Emmanuel Okala, MON, gave me the sad news a few minutes ago. May ‘Onyim’ find peace with Our Creator in Heaven, and may his family be comforted.”
Chukwu, affectionately known as “Chairman,” was a towering figure in Nigerian football. He captained the national team to their historic first Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980 and later returned to lead the Super Eagles as head coach.
His leadership, passion, and enduring contributions to the sport have left an indelible legacy, inspiring countless players and fans across generations.
